Travel Days 130 and 131 to Norfolk, VA 4/27 + 4/30/22

The Dismal Swamp is peaceful, serene, NARROW and SHALLOW! We left South Mills when the lock master opened the bridge for us at 8:30, the scheduled time. We knew we would not make the 11:00 am opening of the Deep Creek Lock so we planned to stop at the Dismal Swamp Visitor's Welcome Center. We arrived at 9:30 and was greeted by a wonderful lady from the center. She informed us that it was closed and handed us all the information we would have gotten if we entered. She said we could walk around and enjoy the grounds. Apparently there was a box tied with string and taped closed near the garbage cans so the thought it was suspicious. The sheriff's office was called. Then the bomb squad was also closed. We left at 10:00 am and then they closed the docks also. Our friends who were going to dock there for the evening could not stop. It was a nice stop for us and Izzy and I would stay the night if possible another time.

Passing Silent Maid.

We traveled on and came across the sailboat Silent Maid. We passed each other without a problem. The boat is traveling raising money for the Ukraine. We took pictures and posted them on Facebook for them.

Deep Creek Lock.

We arrived at the Deep Creek bridge at 12:45 and waited until 1:30 for the bridge to open. There was a perfect place to tie up to against the west wall. People tie here and can go to the grocery store and fast food places in walking distance. The owner of RuthAnn stopped by on his scooter. He is staying between the bridge and lock, which was a beautiful place to dock. That is where our friends stayed for the evening since the visitor's center was closed. The lock master was a young man who was friendly and helpful. He actually told us about the shoaling on the starboard side of the channel. Both lock masters help with boat poles to get your line around the bollard.

Our fellow loopers Sabot.

Once out of the Dismal Swamp it is the opposite of serene and quiet. The hustle and bustle of Norfolk is in full force. The port is a very active place with not only cargo tankers but Naval ships moving around. As we got closer we met up with Melanie and Justin on Sabot. They were going to the free dock. We made it to Waterside Marina without any problems. After docking and walking Izzy, my friend Pam came and picked us up to take me to the airport. I had to go back to NY for medical intervention. I left Hal and Izzy to hang in Norfolk. Hal hung out with Jack and JoAnn from Jackpot, Mary and Chris from Cashelmara, Kevin and Lisa from Skafos, and he saw Kim and Mike on The Perch.

On Saturday, Hal moved the boat with Kevin and Jack to Tidewater Marina. It is just across the river. When I arrived from NY, Hal and Pam came to pick me up. We stopped at Mr. Shawarma to eat. How yummy! On Sunday, Brian from YOLO and Hal and I went to Waterside. We were able to go on C Marie, a GH47 and Act II another GH37 with the same layout as ours. It is always interesting to see other Great Harbours.

Freemason Abbey Restaurant.

Pam took us and Brian for provisioning, which was perfect since we were leaving the next day. We went to dinner with Jack and JoAnn, Jeff and Doris, Kevin and Lisa and Brian at the Freemason Abby Restaurant. It was an interesting place to eat since it was originally a church.

Monday we left early for Deltaville.